Nikki Yep: Empowering Change Through Sustainable Event Planning

In the rapidly expanding world of event planning, Nikki Yep has distinguished herself as a strong and independent woman who has made a name for herself as the Chief Operating Officer and Partner at Event Solutions. Dedicated to sustainability, female empowerment, diversity, and inclusion, Nikki has carved out a unique identity, leaving a significant mark on the industry.

Growing up in Hawaii, Nikki developed a deep appreciation for nature and a commitment to maintaining ecosystem balance. These values have become the foundation of her work as an event planner. Collaborating with Event Solutions and other planners, she actively seeks to reduce office and event carbon footprints. “It feels good to connect diverse people with unique experiences, all while knowing you are helping contribute to a better, more sustainable future.” she says. From introducing bamboo cutlery and palm leaf plates to recycling and carpooling, her focus on sustainability has become integral to her event planning process.

But sustainability is not the only area where Nikki shines. Being a woman in a partnership position in corporate America enables her to bring a fresh perspective to the industry. With her success, she hopes to inspire others, showing them that they, too, can follow their passions and achieve great things. As exemplified by Nikki’s journey from Hawaii to Los Angeles, she has demonstrated strong resilience and determination. The challenges of navigating a mega-metropolis did not hinder her growth or success; instead, she turned them into assets.

Nikki’s commitment to her culture and beliefs extends beyond her personal life. The event industry has a reputation for having a large carbon footprint as well as an excessive amount of waste. She strives to change the narrative in this regard. “Anyone can make a difference. Just start small. I did,” she emphasizes. Leading by example, she encourages her office to utilize sustainable practices, such as reusable water bottles.

A seemingly insignificant alteration in behavior has now gained momentum, leading to the adoption of increasingly sustainable methodologies in the Event Solution’s planning. Embracing reusable decor, vibrant living plants, and compostable or organic materials, Nikki and her team have successfully reduced waste and taken significant strides toward enhancing the environment. Using these innovative practices, they actively challenge the status quo and foster a greener, more sustainable future for the event industry.

Nikki has garnered a wealth of accolades and recognition throughout her illustrious career. Her achievement includes nominations for three BizBash Awards, including Best Conference, Best Product Launch, and Best Activation Event. Notably, Nikki’s remarkable efforts in orchestrating the Weber Metals Press Unveiling earned her the esteemed Canadian Production Award, a testament to her skills within the industry. With her experiences working with renowned brands like Nike, Red Bull, Amazon, Microsoft, and more, she has proven her expertise and ability to produce exceptional events.

Among Nikki’s many collaborations, one event that fills her with tremendous pride is the environmentally conscious product launch for XOS Leads Electrifying Product Launch. With a fantastic turnaround of just two weeks, she orchestrated a groundbreaking event at the expansive CRAFTED venue in San Pedro. In keeping with her commitment to sustainability, she made swag that would be reused over-and-over again not only for branding purposes, but to enforce the zero-waste initiative. Metal cups were used at the bar so guests didn’t waste plastic. 

The event space underwent a breathtaking transformation, enhanced by plush lounge furniture, immersive lighting, robust trussing, and seamlessly integrated LED screen panels. In addition, the diligent catering teams orchestrated a dining experience catering to the guests’ discerning palates. Embodying Event Solution’s forward-thinking philosophy, the event seamlessly integrated a live stream, necessitating the involvement of two complete production teams and standby generators.

Upon entering the event, participants were captivated by the mesmerizing holographic entrance. An elegant pipe and drape installation and artfully directed spotlights were meticulously curated to create a structured and stylish atmosphere within the event space. A genuinely electrifying experience resulted from Nikki’s collaboration with XOS Trucks, leaving a lasting impression on attendees’ minds and strengthening the company’s commitment to decarbonizing transportation and building a brighter future.

“Don’t allow fear or the unknown to hold you back,” Nikki advises passionately. Her journey has taught her valuable lessons that she wants to share with others. She firmly believes that through exchanging knowledge, fostering inclusivity, and practicing kindness, we can collectively thrive, forge connections, and acquire wisdom as a community. Moreover, Nikki emphasizes the importance of authenticity and taking seemingly insignificant actions daily to make positive changes in one’s life.

Looking into the future, Nikki envisions Event Solutions expanding its reach. Over the past five years, the company has experienced international expansion, orchestrating various events in diverse locations nationwide. Inspired by this trajectory, she is driven to propel the company’s growth beyond national borders, envisioning grander and more multifaceted events that celebrate cultural exchange and forge a tightly-knit global community. With an unwavering commitment to sustainability ingrained in every facet of Event Solution’s operations, Nikki aspires to chart a transformative course toward a brighter future. 

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